86 HAWAII PARENT NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 no matter their age. In addition, check that supplies and toys are readily available to little hands at eye level. There should be more than just crayons and paint; check for the big five: imaginative play, art, a quiet library, tactile play (blocks, etc.), science/math area and additionally gross motor/outdoor play. Remember, if your center is concerned with how well a child is playing, their educational success will follow in suit no matter the teaching theory being followed. Play is serious business and it should be purposeful and encouraged naturally all day. STAFF AND CLASSROOM RATIOS The state of Hawaii provides guidelines for the hiring and necessary experience qualifications and education requirements for the staff of every center. Lead teachers are the most highly qualified and assistants and aides follow behind. Ask your tour guide who is the Lead in your child’s classroom and ask this person your questions directly. If your teacher is not there on your initial tour, come back and meet him or her. It is important to get an in-person opinion of the human responsible for caring for your most loved creation and to see how you child responds to cover the walls of their classroom making them feel as though they are a part of their school. It should be hung at child-eye level so they can take pride in their work. As an adult, look at the displayed projects and consider: Is it made by the students? Or is it made by the helping hands of teachers? Art should be just that: a creation by your student Never be afraid to ask your teachers and directors questions. COMMON PRESCHOOL ACCREDITATION ACRONYMS AMS: American Montessori Society AWSNA: Association of Waldorf Schools of North America DHS: Hawaii’s Department of Human Services HAIS: Hawaii Association of Independent Schools HCPS: Hawaii Council of Private Schools NAEYC: National Association for the Education of Young Children NCEA: National Catholic Educational Association NLSA: National Lutheran School Accreditation NECPA: National Early Childhood Program Accreditation WASC: Western Association of Schools & Colleges WCEA: Western Catholic Educational Association
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